Saujani Leaving Public Advocate’s Office for Possible Public Advocate Run

Over the weekend, Crain’sreported Reshma Saujani is leaving her position as deputy advocate in the Office of New York City Public Advocate Bill de Blasio in order to potentially run for Mr. de Blasio’s job herself in 2013. Mr. de Blasio is widely expected to run for mayor, which would leave his position vacant for aspiring politicians.

Confirming Crain’s report, a source familiar with the situation told The Politicker Ms. Saujani is departing Mr. de Blasio’s office on March 16th and is indeed expected to open a committee that would allow her to campaign for the position. However, the source noted a citywide campaign would be just one of multiple options she is considering for her next career move.

If she does pull the trigger on the campaign, it would place her on a collision course with Councilwoman Tish James, who has been campaigning for the position since 2011 and has had the field largely to herself. State Senator Dan Squadron is also a potential candidate.

Ms. Saujani made headlines in 2010 by running a high-profile primary challenge to Upper East Side Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney. Ms. Saujani raised over $1 million in the bid, but ultimately got soundly defeated by the veteran incumbent.